Statement:
God has made a new creation of redeemed individuals in Christ; these redeemed individuals act as God’s ambassadors—carrying out the ministry of reconciliation—by proclaiming the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. As a minister of the gospel, my identity, task, and message are shaped by this truth and guided by the Bible.
1. Identity: New Creation
Our Creator God has created a new people in Christ out of sinful humanity. All who are in Christ are no longer spiritually dead and guilty in sin, but are alive and forgiven in Christ. This is an entirely gracious act of God, who loving reconciles us to Himself. We do not redeem ourselves, but God has redeemed us in Christ.
Christian ministry celebrates and centers itself in God’s work of redemption. As a Christian minister, my identity is found in Christ and my worldview is shaped by the Bible; I am forgiven, new, spiritually alive, and righteous in Christ.
2. Task: Ministry of Reconciliation
The task of a Christian, as one who has been reconciled to God through Christ, is to labor in the ministry of reconciliation by the power of the Holy Spirit. As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to urge non-Christians to be reconciled with God through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus.
Christian ministry should reflect this central task, the task of urging non-Christians to be reconciled to God through Jesus for the glory of God. As a Christian minster, I remember that my main responsibility is to urge all to be reconciled with God through Christ.
3. Message: The Great Exchange
A Christian’s message is the gospel. Jesus, the sinless God-Man, took our sins—and the penalty
for our sins—on the cross and we have been given the righteousness of God—this is the Great Exchange! Our task is to share this hopeful message of reconciliation, while also allowing our own hearts to be daily refreshed by this glorious truth.
Christian ministry should keep the gospel as central; it is a message not only to be believed at conversion, but continually throughout a Christian’s life. As a Christian minister, my task is to preach the gospel, make disciples of Christ, and accurately teach the Bible.
